I was recently asked this at an event where my books were for sale. The asker was buying Headless and looked at No Promises Large Enough, and was moved to ask the obvious question.
I’ll be honest, I didn’t give a very good answer in the moment. I said something like, “I got a little carried away.” But really, that’s not at all true. The book is exactly as long as it needed to be. And I’ll explain why.
The story in Headless, book one, is complete. It wraps up, and you don’t need to read on (if you don’t want to find out the amazing things that happen to Akio and Masami next, that is!). A great deal more happens in No Promises. Their story, and their world, has expanded dramatically. Their very being has been altered. And the book is long because that’s how long it took to tell this next chapter in their lives.
I wrestled with the idea of putting it out as two volumes. I know exactly where I would cut it. And to be honest, I still think about this some days, perhaps as a reissue. But, ultimately, I opted to keep it one book because otherwise I would have a book with an incomplete story.
I didn’t want to do that to anyone.
Granted, these books are technically fantasy. And in epic fantasy, I do not mind when a book leaves me hanging and I have to pick up the next one to keep reading. It’s a long tradition, thanks to Tolkien’s publishers, I believe (The Lord of the Rings is one book, you know), and I expect it in that genre.
But I wouldn’t exactly classify The Ghost and the Mask as epic fantasy, although it has some of its elements. It’s more of a supernatural thriller urban fantasy. Let’s see if I can get some more genres in there…
But that’s the answer. No Promises is so long because that’s how long the story is. I didn’t want to leave you hanging in the middle. I wanted to wrap it up. And if you’ve read it, you’ll know that the ending sits nicely next to the ending of Headless.
If you haven’t read it, I hope you won’t be too discouraged by its second function of a doorstop. Really, it’s not even as long as any of The Song of Ice and Fire books. And, again, it’s a complete story. George R.R. Martin’s series looks like it may never actually be complete. Like so many others, I am still waiting for the next book!
Reviews of No Promises Large Enough
“While “Headless” already was an excellent story, “No Promises Large Enough” is far superior, with complexer subplots that flow into each other to construct a solid thriller/mystery prime plot.”
“I especially enjoyed the way the story comes together in the end and offers a really satisfying conclusion.”
“Another well-written, fast-paced story, with exceptionally crafted action scenes.”
“Tristram Lowe manages to blend Japanese storytelling and western writing-style into a fully coherent narration, that preserves the spirit of Japanese horror/mystery stories without the inherent hopelessness that characterizes them.”
Get your copy at any of the following links or order it from your favorite bookstore.
Tristram Lowe 